BALMAIN announces its courteous support of the mentorship program, In The BLK, a non-profit association of Black fashion creatives working harmoniously to build a more comprehensive future for fashion. In elevating honest success for Black-owned brands and supporting the next generation of unprecedented Black talents, the program is a perfect match for Balmain’s ethos.
Balmain: In The BLK with Bien Abye
Working directly with Haitian-American designer, Dayanne Danier, an In The BLK member, and different Balmain associates, will help explore design and business strategies further through a variety of face-to-face meetings and virtual monitoring.
Balmain: In The BLK with Bien Abye
Ms. Danier is the founder of Bien Abye (meaning Well Dressed in Haitian Creole), a women’s accessories brand, and within her collections she explores her own Creole roots for inspiration in Haiti’s unique architectural heritage. Patterns and designs are sewn, beaded and hand-embroidered by Haitian artisans, unlocking an incredibly unique level of expertise to the character.
Balmain: In The BLK with Bien Abye
“I am extremely happy that Balmain will be supporting IN THE BLK and mentoring Ms. Danier. Of course, we all know that the fashion industry has been embarrassingly slow in pushing for the needed changes that will help create a fashion future that better reflects the beautifully diverse world where we all live.
The work of the dedicated professionals behind IN THE BLK is helping us to start making up for lost time and the association’s mentorship program is a smart way to kick-start the development of tomorrow’s Black design and business leaders.” – Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing.
by Alicia Tomkinson